Why Prairie View A&M University, you may ask? Well, since I was a young girl, anyone who knew me knew all I ever talked about was going to PV….All I ever knew was PV!
The staff at my elementary school (Rosa Parks-Millbrook in Lancaster, Texas) and my Godfather enormously affected my choice. They’re proud, successful alumni of the magnificent Prairie View A&M University. They consistently praised their HBCU, which drove me to do my research and experience it for myself, which I’m oh so very happy I did! After 3.5 years, I will soon call myself a proud alumna, too.
Since I’ve been here at Prairie View A&M, I’ve been a part of many organizations, such as Blackstone Pre-Law, PVAMU Panther Aids, Campus Activities Board (secretary), Toastmasters International (membership chair), Criminal Justice Club, and Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society (corresponding secretary). All of these groups were amazing! From the bonding, community service, and different events we hosted and attended, it was a great experience.
Throughout my years at PV, I was also granted two internships – one for the City of Dallas Community Courts and the other with the Witherspoon Law Group, also in Dallas. Both of these internships helped me out tremendously. I went from a young girl in college reading about law and watching court cases to actually feeling the path I would be going down.
Since I’ve been at Prairie View A&M University, I’ve been on the Dean’s List since my freshman year. I worked my way up the Honor’s List, granting me the opportunity to be a part of Alpha Phi Sigma, an honors society for criminal justice majors. Additionally, I joined the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, which drove me to want more and continue working hard.
But I’ve always been a hard worker, thanks to my mother.
I come from a single household family. My mother has always been there for my brothers and me. She made sure we kept our heads on right, especially me. I’m the only girl, which gave me zero to no sympathy from my mom. She always been harder on me, and I never knew why. I would always question it, not knowing that she was building me into a strong young lady who’s able to conquer any and everything with God on my side and when I put my mind to it. I truly thank her for that. Everything I accomplished is because of her and, of course, the man above. Without them, nothing would be possible.
My advice for current students – you’ve already chosen the best University! And here at Prairie View, we have a motto that states, “Prairie View Produces Productive People.” So, it’s bound for you to meet that expectation! All of the resources you need are here; you just have to make sure you’re doing your part. Don’t get discouraged because you are here for a reason. Finish with that same mindset and always remember to keep God first. Become that change you want to see in the world.
PEEEEEEVEEEE!
Cheyenne Marie Harp will receive a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Prairie View A&M University this fall.